The Tetra of Failures: Another América Title Slips Away & Jornada 3 Preview vs Necaxa
Club América fans were left stunned yet again after a frustrating 3–1 loss to Toluca in the Campeón de Campeones final. What was supposed to be a trophy-lifting night in Carson turned into another chapter in a growing list of big-game disappointments. In this episode of The Eagle Eye Podcast, Ivan and Dylan dissect the defeat, question the club’s direction, and preview the upcoming Jornada 3 clash against Necaxa.
From tactical stagnation to off-the-pitch failures in the transfer market, this América side is now facing its biggest test since Jardine took over. And as the Leagues Cup break approaches, the question becomes clear: Can América stop the bleeding before the season spirals out of control?
Another Final, Another Failure
Alejandro Zendejas lit up the match with a stunning first-minute goal, one of the best Ivan says he’s ever seen live, and for a brief moment, it looked like América was ready to make a statement. They dominated possession early, dictated the pace, and had Toluca on the back foot. But just as quickly as the spark ignited, it faded.
“Everyone’s calling it the Tetra Campeonato of failures for América right now. Four consecutive major matches lost — and it’s hard to feel any other way.”
This loss marks América’s fourth straight high-stakes failure:
Lost to Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal
Lost the Liga MX final to Toluca
Fell short vs LAFC in the FIFA Club World Cup Play-In Match
Now, lost the Campeón de Campeones — again to Toluca
And this one stings even more because of the pattern that’s developing: quick starts, mental lapses, and zero response when the team concedes. After Toluca equalized, the body language from América’s players shifted completely. Heads dropped, confidence disappeared, and the match was lost before the second half even began.
It wasn’t just about losing a final. It was about how they lost. No fire. No urgency. No response.
Leadership Void & Tactical Predictability
Beyond the scoreboard, the loss exposed a bigger issue — a lack of leadership on the pitch. With Henry Martín unavailable for the match, the team lacked someone to rally them when the momentum swung the other way. Zendejas has stepped up creatively, and Fidalgo is the technical heartbeat in midfield, but neither have shown the kind of emotional leadership needed in moments of crisis.
Ivan and Dylan put it bluntly: this team is predictable, and opposing coaches know it.
“What can you produce for the rest of your teammates rather than what are you just going to do for yourself? At the end of the day, this is a collective game, not an individual one.”
Jardine’s in-game management also came under fire. Substitutions continue to feel reactionary rather than proactive. There’s no plan B when plan A fails. And worse, Toluca has now beaten Jardine three times with the same exact game plan, and América still hasn’t adapted.
Front Office Failures: Where Are the Reinforcements?
Fans were promised reinforcements after the Liga MX final loss. Emilio Azcárraga himself acknowledged the failure and said steps would be taken to fix it. Yet here we are, weeks into the new season, and the signings have been underwhelming. With all due respect to players like Zúñiga, Violante, and Gutiérrez, none are immediate game-changers.
So, where’s the ambition?
Ivan and Dylan debate whether Santiago Baños is being handcuffed by a limited budget or simply failing to execute. Rumors around LAFC’s Dénis Bouanga continue to swirl, but América has yet to make a definitive move. Time is running out — and patience is wearing thin.
América doesn’t need squad players. It needs difference-makers.
Jornada 3 vs Necaxa: A Crucial Response
After back-to-back disappointments, América now turns its focus to Jornada 3. A road trip to face a confident Necaxa side in Aguascalientes. Historically, this hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Las Águilas, and this year won’t be any easier. América will be without suspended center-back Igor Lichnovsky and will have to manage the load of players returning late from All-Star Game duties.
The hosts point out that this game will be less about tactics and more about mentality. Can América bounce back? Can they show urgency, character, and most importantly, purpose?
This is the kind of game where three points won’t erase the past, but they can begin to shape a better future. A win before heading into the Leagues Cup break could calm nerves and buy some breathing room.
Projected Lineup vs Necaxa
With Henry Martín still not fully fit and Igor suspended, expect a mixed but competitive lineup:
GK: Malagón
DEF: Dagoberto, Reyes, Cáceres, Orquin
MID: Cervantes, Fidalgo, Chiquito Sánchez
ATT: Brian Rodríguez, Zendejas, Zúñiga
The key will be wide play. If Brian and Zendejas can stay aggressive and make runs in behind, América will find opportunities. But defensively, questions remain, especially on set pieces where the team has looked shaky without Lichnovsky.
Leagues Cup Looming
This match marks the end of América’s short Liga MX run before they pivot to Leagues Cup play. And as the hosts remind everyone — América has struggled in this tournament the past two years. Getting into the right rhythm before the break is absolutely crucial.
The calendar doesn’t get easier after Leagues Cup. Tigres and Atlas are coming up on the road in the league. The team must build momentum now, or risk going into those matchups flat, vulnerable, and under even more scrutiny.
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